Plumb Line Coffee — Restaurant in Clarksville

Used to be a great, traditional style espresso Cafe. With Espresso properly dispensed into AND served in warmed cups.

Not anymore 😔 Until one of the owners reaches out... I will continue to give this pour word of mouth review to everyone I talk with when they ask if there are any good Cafe's around here. "Plumb line used to be my go to, but it has gone downhill since the owners moved. There are many new ones. Try the Amsterdam, Silka's, or the Puerto Rican one across from the blackhorse. Each has its niggle, but are still good. They are not as good as plumb line used to be, but are better than plumb line is now!" Backstory:

Espresso used to be properly dispensed AND served in warmed cups from the top of the machine, and food warmed on the plate, etc.

Now, even when not busy, AND dining- in will give your espresso (and latte, cappuccino, etc) in one of the little paper cups... GROSS!

When repeating it is for dine- in (when you see they are preparing to give you the little paper cup (or already made the latte and press it into the paper as well)... they just look at you and say "I know" and proceed to pour the shot from the shot glass into the paper cup.

When you say you don't want the paper cup, they grab a cold cup and pour the espresso into it.

So now, you have espresso that had been transferred 2 times! Losing most of its temperature, crema, and flavour! (Not to mention picking up the taste of the paper cup!)

Not willing to make a fresh espresso properly (let alone also redoing the latte), and giving attitude, negative body language, and eye roll in the process.

As for the food... same thing... even after going thru all that for the espresso, they warmed and served the 1st of 2 dishes on a paper plate. I placed the 2nd into a plate so that it could be warmed in the plate. And again said I do not want paper please.

They took it off, and used paper, and then transferred to a cold plate, leaving the 1st on the paper plate. I had to grab my own plate and transfer the dishe myself so both were "served" properly. Again, this is not ideal as it loses temp as the heat is sunk into the cold plate!

At first, I thought this was maybe a new policy, but when asked, they said it was not, and they had the normal bus cart for placing empty dishes when finished.

I thought maybe i was close to closing and they were trying to not have to wash more before closing (not that this is ok either, but would at least be more understandable), but it was early lunch, well before noon and many hours before closing.

While sitting in the store, it was not so busy, but steady and regular. Only 2 others already seated had traditional cup and saucer.

Of the new customers i watched while NOT enjoying my cild, flavorless purchase (as the place was filling for the "lunch rush"), only 1 other received the cup... and he had to insist upon it as well. So, you have a full store of people with PAPER CUPS!!!

we come here because it is NOT Starbucks. We come here because we are well traveled and WANT traditional service in a traditional Cafe.

Last, this was not service from a new employee. This was service from a long time employee that has been there since the owners used to be there regularly.

Seems now that the owners have moved and there is no way to contact, that she is doing her own thing now and changing the whole vibe of the store... for no reason than pure laziness and apathy. While training new employees to do the same. This is the saddest part....

Drive to Getsome instead. Another local and veteran owned business. Worth the drive to avoid this coffee.

Tried to order a drink with just espresso, chocolate and hot water. Mocha made with hot water, Americano with cocoa, hot chocolate with espresso shot...however you'd like to say. Was told flat out no. Owner does not allow modifications of ANY kind to ANY drink. I would be allowed to use a non-dairy milk in a mocha, but asking to use hot water instead of a milk was no bueno. Won't ever come back. Overpriced ($6.50+ for 16oz) and guess I'm heading to Starbucks..

**Edited to include, spouse's latte was barely warm and had zero taste of "creme brulee." (It was recommended when he asked about caramel, which was sold out.) Just a lukewarm latte with white sugar. Not worth the price.

*Have to add another edit to include my daughter's UNDRINKABLE strawberry espresso whatever it was called. Had an inch of sweet cream disguising the bitter rotten mess off strawberry/coffee floating beneath. Maybe could work to hide the gross if the sweetness was mixed in, but it floated at the top so that it came out of the lid first (no straws for stirring). Both drinks wound up...

Absolutely impressed by this local, third-wave coffee shop.

1 - Flavor: The baristas are quite meticulous in creating each drink with care. They are well trained, servant-minded, and considerate. I had the macchiato with seltzer water and it was pulled perfectly. They offered several espresso options for the more refined pallet. The breakfast sandwich I had (with a biscuit, bacon, and egg) was really enjoyable as well. It balanced a sweet and savory tooth for me. 2 - Atmosphere: It has a clean, rustic, and modern feel. I absolutely love the Edison bulb lighting and white washed barn wood. It was relaxing, yet bright enough for me to get work done and focus. The table layout of the place is comfortable and absorbs sound well, so it wasn't too loud for me. 3 - Service: Workers were kind, considerate, and checked back with me on my drink. They were conversational and professional. 4 - Cleanliness: I couldn't find a speck of dust or dirt anywhere, which shows they really care about their product and store.

Overall, this is a great location, just off the university campus with a powerhouse atmosphere. I would highly recommend...